DVD on CPR

Here's a great gift idea for the next baby shower you're invited to: A DVD that explains how to perform CPR on an infant and child. OK, the other guests won't ooh and aah like they do when the mommy-to-be rips open a brightly wrapped box and pulls out an adorable jumper with bumble bees on it. But the life-saving instruction that the video offers may come in handy when that well-dressed baby tries to stick too many grapes in her mouth.

At the military hospital where my son was born, John and I were required to watch a similar video. Then I, the mom, had to demonstrate these skills on a plastic doll before Hendrick was released. It seemed a bit much at the time but back then I had no idea how much food a toddler can cram in his mouth and how awful it is to hear him gag.

You would think my son is training for the annual Nathan's hot dog eating contest the way he sometimes stuffs mouthfuls of food, one after the other, down his tiny gullet.

My cousin Laura recommended that I tell my readers about the CPR video, which was created by a local mom who is a nursing instructor at Rutgers University, so I checked out the site. The cost is $15.95, and it's available in English and Spanish.

Smart moms will be impressed by your thoughtful gift, and they will realize it's much more valuable than another talking Elmo doll.

Here's the link to the Web site for the maker of the video, Caring Professional Resources LLC: http://www.cpresourcesllc.com